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“I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind.” ~~ John G. Diefenbaker

FELDSTED: Diversity Wars ... Part 1 and 2


Diversity wars … part 1

Justin Trudeau’s ruminations about ‘diversity’ is incomprehensible; I don’t think he has any idea of what cultural diversity is.

I grew up in a community that was diverse, with many families speaking different languages at home. They came from different cultures, had different customs, and attended different churches. We struggled to adapt, and adopted English as a common language for communications. With the exception of those of British heritage, we were all in the same boat.

We were mostly farmers and fishermen. We were independent and self-sufficient and understood that made us vulnerable. Accidents, illness and misfortune have no favourites. Anyone can face difficulties that are hard to overcome.

We built churches, community halls, hospitals and schools that served us all. People donated labour, materials, and expertise. It did not matter where you were from or what language you spoke at home, or which church you attended, if you knew the right way to do something, your help was welcome.

If a church suffered wind damage, fire or flooding, another congregation would offer use of their facility until the damaged church could be restored or rebuilt. We could not deprive neighbours of worshiping as they saw fit.  If a farmer fell ill during critical times, neighbours would rush their harvest, haying or planting, so they could help the family in distress.

I recall an instance when winter roads became impassible, except with a tractor and wagon, and a carefully planned route. Which was why someone would announce they had to go to town for supplies, and ask if anyone needed something. Those were the days of party-line telephones, and the first part of the trip was to compile lists of neighbour needs.

I recall a spring flood where our sleepy little river became a raging torrent, cutting off part of our community. Local boaters came to the rescue, knowing where and how to cross safely. Neighbours on the other side offered their vehicles for supply runs, and the boatmen got supplies ferried back.

I also remember a fire threat that brought out the whole community. The fire was in a peat bog adjacent to a forest, and we knew if the fire got to the forest, many farms would be at risk. I was still a kid, but big enough to carry two pails of water which I did.  I carried them from the river, to the fire site, until I dropped from exhaustion. I was no hero; just a scared kid in a frightened community trying to save neighbours from devastation. Thank goodness the men of the community succeeded. Some stayed for days, checking for hot spots, and adding water until they were certain the underground fire could not flare up again.

I am going to repeat a line from above: We were independent and self-sufficient and understood that made us vulnerable.


Our society has embraced the concept of independence, without realizing the risks of vulnerability. If faced with tough decisions, they expect help, which they do not extend to others. They have also embraced the concept of self-sufficiency, without recognizing this also mean running the risk of helplessness when things go wrong -- which they inevitably do.

A significant segment of our society is enamoured with its freedoms, and rights, however it fails to understand that dictates accepting risks and responsibilities.

While I enjoy freedom of expression, that freedom carries the risk that someone I offend may attack me verbally or physically. I have no wish to be found ‘dead right’, particularly the ‘dead’ part.

I believe those ‘of age’, essentially adults, should take responsibility for their actions, behaviour, decisions, and errors. They should also do their best to apologize for mistakes and put things right again. Furthermore, they should be willing to help others, particularly when they suffer injury or devastation not of their own making.

That said, we seem to have increased numbers of people who are ‘of age’, but have not matured into adulthood.  Could this perhaps be because it is not fun to take responsibility for yourself?



Diversity Wars … part 2

The story started with Prime Minister Lester Pearson’s appointment of the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism, in 1963. On examining its terms of reference, the commission could not find the word in a dictionary.

The commission concluded that the term referred to the existence, in Canada, of two principal cultures - one associated with the English language, and one associated with the French. The function of the commission was to examine the state of each of the two cultures, and the opportunity for each to exist and flourish; and the set of conditions that would enable members of the two cultures to co-operate effectively.

Pierre Trudeau, who was elected in 1968, believed in uniting Canada with Quebec and wanted Quebec to be equal.  In 1969 he had parliament pass the Official Languages Act, making Canada a bilingual nation – that gave English and French equal status in the government of Canada.

Biculturalism however, turned out to be a far more difficult problem. Various ethnic groups, including groups in Quebec, renounced the concept of dominant English and French cultures, pointing out that they had also contributed to the formation, and growth, of Canada.  They were not comfortable choosing a culture that was foreign to them.

The Bilingualism and Biculturalism commission wrote extensively about "cultural groups", and made recommendations about the assistance necessary for them to preserve their languages, and to support their cultural activities.

In 1971 the federal government, of Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau, declared its commitment to the principle of multiculturalism, and in so doing, formalized a policy to protect and promote diversity, recognize the rights of Aboriginal peoples, and support the use of Canada’s two official languages. This led to the establishment, in 1973, of the Ministry of Multiculturalism, as well as the Canadian Consultative Council on Multiculturalism.

The concept was again acknowledged in the Charter of Rights and Freedoms of 1982, which states that the Charter itself “shall be interpreted in a manner consistent with the preservation, and enhancement, of the multicultural heritage of Canadians.”

On July 21st 1988, the Progressive Conservative government of Brian Mulroney passed the Canadian Multiculturalism Act, which formalized the government's commitment to "promote the full and equitable participation of individuals and communities of all origins in the continuing evolution and shaping of all aspects of Canadian society".  This was done by establishing legislation to protect ethnic, racial, linguistic and religious diversity within Canadian society.

Armed with a summary of how multiculturalism developed, we begin to see how governments can muck up pretty much anything they touch. In fact, or should we say unfortunately, no one stopped to consider that Canada was culturally diverse prior to confederation. From 1867 until 1971 (a span of over a century), a wide variety of cultural groups celebrated their heritage as they saw fit without interference or permission.

Government response to the Royal Commission on Bilingualism and Biculturalism accomplished two things:

  • The Province of Quebec was given equal rights and powers to the  remainder of Canada in the federal government.
  • Canada outside of Quebec was fractured -- balkanized -- to make it less politically effective.


Cultural diversity has transitioned from people of common cultures celebrating their heritage, into a political and election tool. Adhering to cultural heritage has become more important than citizenship. Quebec, and its French culture, are highly resistant to other cultures, while demanding that its culture be recognized and respected everywhere else. That is a major part of the Pierre Trudeau legacy.

I am very proud of my cultural heritage, but like my father and grandfathers, I am a Canadian first and always. Cultural diversity is only valuable when cultures respect one another, and work together for the common good of our communities, provinces, and country.

When cultural groups compete for power, and prestige, democracy is at risk, and civil war is on the horizon.




JOHN FELDSTED grew up in a conservative family with a deep interest in arts, history and law. Reading was a requisite to education. Over the years he has actively participated in politics at the civic, provincial and federal levels in Alberta, Manitoba and Ontario. While steadfastly conservative, he believes various conservative parties are not.

The lust for power tends to overcome adherence to principles, so I am at times critical of conservative party actions” ~~ John Feldsted

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